2025 Regional finalists
My name is Alfie Holuigue and I am 17 year old. I have been learning piano since Year 7 and developed a true passion while at Timbertop, near Mansfield, immersed in the mountains and nature. I have attended Geelong Grammar School since Year 9 and my passion has led me to develop a Non4Profit initiative called Music for Mental Health aimed at improving wellbeing through music. I am currently undertaking IB music which has offered me a more theoretical perspective on how and why different music is created whilst broadening my passion and understanding of music. I love romantic composers such as Liszt and Chopin, yet also have a special spot in my heart for jazz music and contemporary composers too.
Max Gear Is a current student of Christian College Geelong and has a passion for music. He has been learning the Piano and Cello since the age of 7, favouring classical music. He recently achieved a Certificate of Performance for the Cello and completed Grade 8 Piano. Along with this he also enjoys playing in orchestras and creating his own music. Max has recently played in the Geelong Symphony Orchestra and hopes to continue the experience. Aside from music he is also passionate in sports, pursuing Tennis.
Joyce Qin is 11 years old, studying at The Geelong College. She began piano and violin tuition at the age of 5 years old, enjoying classical vocal studies when she was 9 years old. Joyce a member of the Geelong College Senior School Orchestra and Middle School String Quartet. She has also performed in Melbourne as a soloist and member of a Chamber orchestra, featured in German Lieder and Italian art songs, showcasing her versatility in both languages. Joyce has unwavering support from her family in all her endeavours. Her development is closely followed and supported. She is also appreciative of the consistent support and professional advice offered to her by The Geelong College music staff and their interest in her music development.
Harriet Carter-Williams grew up in the regional town of Lancefield where she began learning cello at age 4. She is currently in year 10 at The Geelong College where she is an active member of the music ensembles program. In addition to cello, she also enjoys singing in contemporary music groups, choirs, and musical theatre productions. Harriet currently learns cello with Josephine Vains, previously having learned with Edith Salzmann and Helen Mountfort. In 2024 Harriet was awarded her AMusA with Distinction. She won The Geelong Music Society Annual Scholarship and was runner up in the Australian Youth Classical Music Competition Regional Award. Harriet was a member of the Melbourne String Ensemble from 2018-2024.
Winner
Matthew Kweh began learning the piano at the age of 4 and the violin when he was 7 years old. He attends The Geelong College and is currently doing his VCE Music Repertoire Performance. Music has always been a passion for him, and he continues to enjoy overcoming challenges in difficult pieces and finding freedom in music. He loves to explore new instruments and different styles of music, while also playing in a range of ensembles. He has tried playing clarinet, viola, cello and is keen to take on vocals as well. He hopes to inspire younger students to pursue their dreams in music and participate in school ensembles.
Zachary Jackson is a 17 year old Year 12 student at St. Ignatius College. Zachary has achieved Grade 7 AMEB in Trombone and is currently studying Repertoire Units 3 and 4 on Trombone, along with Contemporary Units 3 and 4 on Bass Guitar. Under the guidance of his trombone teacher, Melissa Allport, Zachary began playing the instrument at the age of 8 and has since become a skilled performer. In 2022, he won the Under 21 Open Championship at the La Trobe Eisteddfod at just 14 years old. Alongside his instrumental achievements, Zachary has also studied singing and earned Grade 6 AMEB in Musical Theatre. With a diverse range of musical talents, Zachary continues to grow as both a musician and performer.
Runnerup
Runnerup
My name is Jennifer Yu and I am 12 years old. I play cello and piano and have played both instruments for 6 years. I am one of the winners of the 2024 Ringwood Eisteddfod and recently was invited by the Polish Music Festival to perform at the Sydney Opera House. I love music because you can express exactly what you feel, through melody, and not just through words. Music makes me happy by providing an escape route from everyday life. Through music, I can imagine anything, like I have a pair of wings, taking me to infinite places. Music gives me such a good sense of accomplishment and achievement. Music is an enjoyment, yet still a challenge, and I hope that it will always be part of my life.
My name is Cuan Bester. When I was 11 my family moved to Australia from Ireland during COVID, everything was changing, we weren't allowed to leave our house; honestly I was scared. The only thing that got me through that time was music and now I've joined Christian College and have had amazing experiences such as performing at the Sydney Opera House. I’m in 3 of the school’s top ensembles and I can't wait to further my musical ability with them. My teacher, David Gardner, has guided me through numerous AMEB exams, which has allowed me to develop my ability on the saxophone.
Runnerup
My name is Peicheng (William) Zha and both my parents study music in university. I started learning piano when I was four years old and passed the highest grade test of piano in China. I then studied composition in the professional music high school in China for my first Year 10. I won the second prize on the National Piano Competition in China when I was in Year 8. I’d like to put some touching feelings about the pieces to show the audience.
Katie Gardner is at Christian College Geelong completing year 12. Beginning the clarinet in Year 3, Katie has enjoyed being part of the extensive music program that Christian College Geelong has developed over the last forty years. In 2024 Katie completed Units 3/4 VCE Music Contemporary and in 2025 has continued her music studies by enrolling in Units 3/4 Music Repertoire. Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially in summer holidays at the beach.
Alexis Meara is a passionate French horn player in her ninth year of playing. She currently performs with Orchestra Geelong and the Christian College Geelong Senior Wind Symphony, gaining ensemble experience in both orchestral and wind band settings. Throughout her time playing French Horn, Alexis has performed in renowned venues such as Sydney Town Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Additionally, she has had the privilege of playing alongside the RAAF Band in a workshop and also attending wind band days with both the RAAF Band and Melbourne Universities Concert Band, further developing her musicianship.
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My name is Yuxin (Alice) Hu, 13 years old as of 2025, studying at Kardinia International College. I have been playing piano since prep (around 8 years now) and I have been playing the flute since Term 2 of Year 7 (around a year now). I have completed Grade 2 (2019) and Grade 6 (2023) piano exams and grade 1 (2024) flute exam. I am striving to do Grade 8 piano and Grade 3 flute this year. I love piano and playing musical instruments because I appreciate the way it makes me feel and how it can connect with people as well as creating more new experiences for me. Music is both an enjoyment and a challenge and I hope that it will continue to be part of my life.